Corticosteroids have potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties but are associated with a number of serious adverse events. When taken orally for longer than 3 months, particularly at prednisolone‐equivalent doses greater than 5 mg per day, corticosteroids are associated with a high incidence of bone loss, muscle atrophy and weakness. Fracture risk is increased as a result of corticosteroid‐induced bone loss and muscle weakness. Corticosteroid‐related fractures are a serious complication of long‐term oral corticosteroid therapy. The aim of this article is to provide practical information to help clinicians to minimise fracture risk in older people taking long‐term oral corticosteroids. When therapy is instigated for longer than 1 month, identify at‐risk patients promptly and consider a calcium and vitamin D supplement and fracture prevention therapy. Patients at risk include those receiving prednisolone‐equivalent doses of more than 5 mg per day for longer than 3 months and patients receiving frequent short courses of high‐dose corticosteroids.